RICHARD Fry, a well-known figure in and around Frome, is a very welcome addition to the trustees of Active and In Touch, the Frome based charity which combats loneliness and isolation in Frome and the surrounding villages.
A spokesperson for the charity explains, “Resident in Frome since 1989, Richard who is one of seven children, was born into an army family stationed in Gibraltar. He subsequently lived in Germany and Malaya before eventually settling in Pembrokeshire, where he completed most of his schooling and why he still shouts for Wales at the rugby!
“Aged 16, Richard followed the family tradition, joining the army as a soldier in the Royal Corps of Transport, were he achieved a full HGV licence a year later (this could not be achieved in civvy street until the age of 21 and foreshadowed Richard’s long career in and enthusiasm for transport.)
“During his fifteen years in the RCT Richard completed four tours in Northern Ireland and served in the Falklands. He met Julie, his wife of 43 years, who was also a serving soldier and they had three children. The family now includes two young grandchildren. Richard is no newcomer to supporting those who are alone and vulnerable. Sadly, whilst stationed in Germany, Julie and Richard’s baby daughter, Natalie, died and realising there was no support available for families in this position he, along with a fellow soldier, set up a bereavement support group. By the time Richard and his wife returned to England they left Germany secure in the knowledge that every garrison town had such a group.
“Julie was born and raised in Frome, and upon Richard completing his time in the army, they decided Frome was the place to raise their children. Richard worked for Frampton’s Transport, a family haulage business in Shepton Mallet for 25 years, in due course becoming the deputy managing director. When the business was sold in 2015, he set up his own transport consultancy helping mainly small hauliers to stay compliant in a world of ever-increasing rules and regulations.
“Richard read an advertisement from the Town Council asking for someone to look into the feasibility of a group of voluntary car drivers to operate in Frome. This appealed very much to his twin interests, transport and supporting others, so he applied and got the contract.
“The town councillors at the time acknowledged that bus routes were being reduced and it was getting harder for people to access public transport. The main doctor’s surgery in town also recognised this as a potential issue which could prevent people from getting out and about, not only to the surgery and hospital, but also for social reasons. An inaugural meeting was held with representatives from the council, health centre, and Social Services. Here it was agreed that Richard should proceed with setting up the voluntary group, which was originally Frome Community Cars, more recently called Frome Community Drivers, now headed by Morag Stuart and merged with Active and In Touch.
“In his ‘spare’ time, Richard continues as a volunteer driver, enjoys motor cycling, watching cricket and rugby and is a keen golfer. During the pandemic he has written his autobiography comprising two volumes addressing both his Army and civilian life experiences, for which he is now seeking a publisher.
“Julia di Castiglione, chair of trustees warmly welcomed Richard on board, thanking him for his time and enthusiasm alongside expressing both A&IT’s and her personal delight that he felt “able to offer his many skills and specialist knowledge of transport and organisational structure and process.”
Richard said “It’s flattering that the committee and trustees of Active and In Touch think with my skills and experience I can contribute to the fantastic work the organisation carries out, and I am happy to try to do what I can to help them to continue to provide a much needed service to the people of Frome”
The charity add, “Hopefully Richard will enjoy his time as a trustee and huge thanks from A&IT’s members, volunteers and staff for his willingness to commit time and energy to the charity, Frome and the surrounding villages. It is very much appreciated.”
